Hello! I'm Samantha Morgan-Curtis.
Professional Overview
Dr. Samantha A. Morgan-Curtis serves as Dean of the College of Liberal Arts at Tennessee State University, where she provides leadership for academic programs, faculty development, student success initiatives, curriculum innovation, and strategic planning across the college. She is a higher education administrator, educator, and scholar with extensive experience in academic leadership, writing-across-the-curriculum initiatives, instructional technology, faculty development, accreditation, and student engagement. As an advocate for innovative and accessible learning environments, she has led efforts to integrate emerging technologies, including generative AI, into teaching, learning, and curriculum design while maintaining a strong commitment to student success and academic excellence.
Goal Statement
My goal is to foster a student-centered, innovative, and inclusive academic environment that prepares graduates to thrive in an increasingly complex and technology-driven world. Through collaborative leadership, faculty support, and strategic use of educational technology, I seek to enhance teaching effectiveness, expand experiential learning opportunities, and advance the mission of Tennessee State University.
EXPERIENCE
2023-Present
AI Research Fellow & Super User
Tennessee State University (TSU)
In my role as an AI Research Fellow, I explore innovative ways to integrate artificial intelligence into educational practices, enhancing learning experiences for students and educators alike.
2017-2020
Languages, Literature, & Philosophy
Department Chair
2020 to Present
Dean
College of Liberal Arts
EDUCATION
2002
PhD in English
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Artifacts/Microcredentials
Canva Graphic Design Essentials
MagicSchool.ai Level One
Essential Guide to A.I. for Educators
A.I. in the Classroom
Generative AI for Educators
Intro to Generative A.I.
Adobe Creative Educator (ACE) Level 1
Screencastify
Book Creator
EDTECH Philosophy
My teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that technology should serve learning—not the other way around. I believe students learn most effectively when they can connect course content to authentic questions, real-world problems, and their own academic and professional goals. Educational technology is valuable when it increases access, engagement, transparency, and meaningful learning rather than simply adding complexity.
I approach technology integration through a learner-centered framework that emphasizes clarity of purpose, active learning, and reflection. I favor tools that help students analyze information, communicate ideas, collaborate with others, and demonstrate learning in multiple ways. Whether through writing-to-learn activities, ePortfolios, multimedia projects, or generative AI tools, technology should encourage students to become creators of knowledge rather than passive consumers of information.
Equally important, I believe technology must be accessible and sustainable for both students and faculty. A digital tool is only effective if it is reliable, easy to understand, and aligned with clearly defined learning outcomes. For that reason, I evaluate educational technologies using models such as SAMR and transparent assignment design principles to ensure that innovation results in improved learning rather than increased complexity.
My ultimate goal is to prepare students to think critically, communicate effectively, adapt to emerging technologies, and engage as informed citizens and professionals. Technology should help students make connections across disciplines, reflect on their learning, and develop the habits of lifelong learners needed for success in a rapidly changing world. This philosophy is reflected in my leadership of initiatives involving writing across the curriculum, ePortfolio implementation, faculty technology development, and the integration of artificial intelligence into teaching and learning.